Available through Fields of Zion International
Farm Internship Program Overview
Farm internship opportunities can be an exciting way to gain practical agricultural work experience. Interns at Fields Of Zion International are fully immersed in a safe and controlled environment, while learning hands-on. Considering a career in an agricultural field? With this in mind, a farm internship position at one of our partner farms may be your ticket. Here you’ll find adventure, community and purpose, while learning the skills necessary to continue out on your own.
The truth about farming…
Contrary to what many believe, farming is not an easy task. In fact, it requires hard work and lots of it! Deciding to take the leap into farming is the easy part… however, the difficulties come later. People often to try to figure it out as they go. Many soon realize, a career in farming requires considerable commitment and dedication. Many are unprepared for the demands and challenges of running a farm business, no matter how big or small.
As an agricultural intern you will learn while you work. Just like a doctor or lawyer, farming skills take time to develop. Here at Fields of Zion International you can learn practical life and business skills at our Interactive Farmstead Learning Centers.
Students learn in the same manner as an apprentice learns. Watch the shepherd, practice with the shepherd, and then do the activity unassisted.
Intentional Christian Communities
Our Mission at Fields of Zion International
Create positive change by building effective and sustainable communities from the ground up.
Thriving communities begin with meeting the essential needs of their members… access to healthy food, clean water, adequate shelter and meaningful work opportunities. By promoting local strategies to meet those needs, a community becomes more sustainable and resilient, fostering an environment where all it’s members can thrive.
Recognizing that the need for food is a commonality we all share, we focus our efforts around creating communities having a close relationship to the land which provides for those needs. We strengthen food security and promote a healthy local economy through the development of agriculturally focused networks of individuals, businesses and public organizations. Thus, creating opportunities for community growth and success through building farming infrastructure and educational facilities.
Through targeted action, we address the essential needs of the regions we serve. Bringing vision, organization and implementation through leaders who uphold our core values and key principles. Displaying the power of God through an effectual body of believers, working together to achieve a common purpose.
Internship programs at Fields of Zion equip students with basic and advanced farming skills. In addition, interns are offered the opportunity for Christian fellowship, discipleship and learning to shepherd the way God intended. Our partner farmers have committed to living and teaching fundamental core values needed for a healthy Christian life.
Help us build sustainable communities from the ground up!
Our goal is to plant the Fields of Zion by establishing Christ centered communities of believers throughout the world. We focus on the slower, simpler life which allows more room for God to do His work in us. Our close ties to the land of His creation, teach us the ways of living a life worth living. Working together in these wilderness places teach us how to become true members of His Body. Through our struggles we learn to overcome, not just as individuals, but as a whole, together as one in Christ.
Are you looking for something different…Something real? A closer walk with God? Is the Spirit leading you to step out into the wilderness?
Come intern with us and learn why we are focused on building Intentional Christian Communities in this season.
Partner Farms
More truth…
Many people do not take the time to really understand where the foods they eat come
from. Large retailers often consider foods to be locally produced if they are sourced
within 200 miles of the store. In general, industrial farms have had a devastating effect on our environment. Not to mention, the ability of small local farmers to compete. Much of our ability to grow foods sustainably, on a local level, has been lost in the last sixty years. However, Field of Zion International is working to change that trend through our partner farms.
“Planting a seed, building a community, empowering local farmers!”
Imagine a place where anyone can come and learn how to grow quality, sustainable food in their own backyard…
Our diversified demonstration farms promote local, small scale farming, through our educational programs. Demonstrating modern & efficient farming techniques, with a small scale, hands on approach. These working farms are managed by partner farmers with years of combined experience and knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices.
Hands-on agricultural training at our Interactive Farmstead Learning Centers
Questioning which direction to go in farming? Our Interactive Farmstead Learning Centers are designed to offer a wide variety of skill options. Diversified farms offer many advantages over mono-culture techniques.In fact, many of our farms offer many different learning environments. Even offering the option to specialize in any areas of interest, while also being exposed to all other elements.
For example… At Saco River Farms in Maine, a farm intern might focus on micro dairy, but also learn the basics of market gardening & meat production.
Farm Internship Program Goals: Growing New Growers!
Objectives of our internship programs:
- Teach an awareness of basic agriculture and develop agricultural skills.
- Expose students to the many agricultural parables found in The Bible.
- Teach an appreciation for historical agriculture, while introducing effective and proved techniques.
- Raise up a new generation of growers equipped with the skills needed for tomorrows farmers.
- Build leadership skills needed in life, work and/or ministry.
Further Education and Training
Interns may participate in many opportunities for additional learning including:
- Educational program development: Monthly workshops, and other training events.
- Assist in the development of new farm infrastructure.
- Grant writing.
- Assist with web based marketing, and educational materials.
- Develop program materials.
- Community planting
- Organizing & Planning community events: study gatherings, meals, etc.
Farm Intern Commitment and What to Expect.
Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week at the farm, sometimes more depending upon the season, as well as rotating weekend duties.
Most partner farms need interns year-round so we give preference to those willing to commit to a 9+ month stay. However, some opportunities may exist for shorter periods of 5-6 months, and strictly summer internships for 2-3 months.
Throughout the seasons, interns partake in all tasks on the farm. A sampling of some major elements of this work include:
- sowing, planting, harvesting, washing and processing vegetables
- weeding, prepping beds and soil
- taking care of livestock
- transporting deliveries
- hosting our Farmer’s Markets and Farm Stores
- milking & dairy processing
- butchering
- egg flock management
Other Internship Program Information:
- Experience is advantageous, but not required.
- Internships are full time.
- All interns will assist with farm maintenance, special events, mission and outreach, learn how to lead farm tours, and experience some of every portion of farm life. We work with special focus areas of interest, but every program participant will receive a well rounded view of farm life.
- Flexibility on the farm is essential, for every day brings new challenges on the a farm.
- A high level of responsibility, care, and excellence is expected in all aspects and levels of work done here.
- We expect speed, efficiency, precision, awareness, and adaptability. At the same time, we seek an atmosphere of fun and fellowship in all we do. We strive hard to make our work environments minimally stressful and maximally enjoyable.
- Intern schedules will be set but are flexible. Typically, interns work approximately 40 to 50 hours per week during our main growing season from April to October and less during the winter season.
- Plenty of space for rest, self-care, and fun are built into that work time including breakfast and lunch breaks, daily team moments, 1:1 check-ins, and vacation or sick/personal days to be offered as needed.
Ideal farm Internship applicants:
- Positive attitudes and determination to overcome adversity.
- Mature communication skills and a willingness to be brave and vulnerable.
- Openness to working in a religious context. **We are disciples of Christ committed to our core values and therefore all applicants must be willing to work within and around this perspective, but need not share our belief. In fact, people of all faiths or no faith are welcome, and encouraged, to apply.
- Eagerness to partake in the basic rhythms of intentional community, including weekly shared meals and scheduled gatherings, farm events, and Bible studies or other faith/perspective-growing opportunities.
- Passionate about regenerative food systems, sustainable agriculture, animal husbandry, homesteading, butchering, self-sufficiency, and disaster preparedness.
- Adaptable and able to work well in adverse weather, in large groups, and alone
- A self starter, eager to apply that energy to creating a change in the community
- Open to constructive criticism
- Able to provide her/his own transportation
What do we require from interested applicants?
- Energy to perform physical and demanding work daily.
- Careful listening and direction following.
- Ability to lift 50 lbs alone or with help.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and weather.
- A willing disposition to help others and work together.
- Initiative, motivation, and an ability to self-direct or manage when necessary
- A drivers license
- In general, Substance-free, no tobacco, or drugs, including marijuana may be consumed on site. Consuming of alcohol is at the discretion of the farm owner. Violations or events affecting work performance may result in immediate termination.
Beginner Farm Internship Opportunities
Looking for a hands-on experience studying sustainable food systems? Perhaps you want to get off-grid or become more self sufficient. A farm internship at our Interactive Farmstead Learning Centers may be just what you need. Whether this is your first farm experience, or you WWOOFed your way around the world, interning with us will test your resolve and stamina. At the same time, fill your tool belt with industry best practices. As well as, giving you the depth and diversity of skills you’ll need to build a successful future for yourself and your community.
Advanced Farm Internship Opportunities
You’ve sharpened your skills with a prior intern or apprenticeship and are ready for immersive farm management training. This Fields of Zion International Farm Internship is a fast-paced program that will teach and test your leadership skills in a small-scale community-based agriculture setting. Interns will build farm management skills while working independently, guided by our partner farm teams.
The primary goal is to gain proficiency in your chosen area of expertise. Greater responsibility requires solid foundations in farm life. Applicants must have 2 years of farm experience with references available upon request. Our interns are valued members of our community and are treated as such, with on site housing and farm fresh food, weekly farm family dinners, and access to the resources they need to knock an independent project out of the park.
Benefits of a Farm Internship through Fields Of Zion International
Stipends Housing options for Farm Internships
Compensation for internships may include room, board and a monthly monetary stipend. The stipend is not a salary, and it is performance based. Options and housing benefits/availability vary by farm. Please click the link below to see further details of individual farm internship opportunities.